OAaSIS International Foundation (Jamaica)

Hailing from a family of educators and academic professionals has been strongly influential on Anthea McGibbon’s career paths as well as her character. In her maternal family where she was raised, everyone but her had real talent in singing. Her own mother is a trained and sought out caterer, and her brother basically masters any instrument given, and himself along with his wife are literally sought out as a singing couple.
She however stands out among them as an artist and along with her youngest uncle, as a writer. What’s equally influential is the inherited trait of being involved with children, their welfare and development – characteristics of her grandmother, mother and aunts she could not escape.
Among her other influences were the Apostolic Church of Jamaica members who were close knit and offered her opportunity to be trained and operate as a teacher, and to start her first art club. Despite the fact that very few persons were convinced of art as a career path for Anthea McGibbon, she nonetheless strived against all odds to become an artist.
She evidently inherited this skill from her paternal family with members who are visual artists. She is very proud however on the generation following her that has an apt for arts. Alaine McGibbon, daughter of cousin Alden on her mom’s side, as swell as Joshua, son of her brother are both inclined towards and gifted in visual arts.

She remembers the days when lights were turned off while doing her homework, for a critique, by an aunt who felt she was wasting electricity on a nonsensical career for example. However she remained encouraged by those who offered her little paying art jobs to earn her way through Art School.
This and similar challenging experiences she shared with other artists who lke her camped out on campus to see their goals realised, made her even more focused to represent artists someday. She has already completed paralegal studies, and hopes to complete legal studies someday. For now she combines all her creative exposure, experiences, training in being an arts and communications consultant, while herself still actively producing ARTwork and writings.
She also founded OAaSIS International Foundation to network members and supporting members of the creative force in assisting with the development of the creative mind of today’s youth, esp in Jamaica. Further she offers full ARTful entertainment for children and workshops, a service she feels needs more development in Jamaica as a good tool in introducing children properly to the arts, while educating adults shy of the Arts.
She owns over 30 years experience as an artist in several areas, at least 10 of which is influenced by her training at the Edna Manley Visual College and other short art courses and internships. . She also has qualified experience in journalism and other areas of the arts such as modelling, choreography, thanks to at least the elective courses at the Edna Manley College (former Jamaica School of Art).
Born November 10, in the garden parish St. Ann, in Jamaica, W.I., her name ‘Anthea’ means flower, and, she strives to bloom in whatever area she is planted. The areas she delves in include paralegal, but HER art IS IN painting, illustration, writing, graphic design, paginator, modelling, photography AND MORE.
The VPAJ in her opinion is a critical tool in bringing its members indivually and collectively to the apex of international fame – she does her part with support services. On the other hand, she is grateful it exists for artists like herself. See more www.antheamcgibbon.com/about

ABSTRACTED from Visual and Performing Arts Jamaica (VPAJ) website

OAaSIS International Foundation, headquartered in Jamaica exists to empower the creative mind of youth. Started just a year ago it focuses on youth up to 25 years, but specializing in the age group up to 16 years with the Arts(literary, visual, performing, culinary). Its list of patrons includes master painter Barrington Watson, multiskilled singer, actor and visual artist Terrence ‘Farenheit’ Harold. Canadians Bill and Kris King owners of the Jazz Report magazine, and EJazz news (that publishes much about Jamaica’s music scene) are the only international patrons
It’s founder, Anthea McGibbon owns her own media website, and also spent 13.5 years in full time employment at the Gleaner company, filling many roles including subeditor, feature co-ordinator (Religion), writer, photographer, to reporter, arts critic.

As a multiskilled, multidimensional eclectic artist herself, McGibbon discusses the Foundation. Any discussion with her also helps one to understand her intense love affair with deft skills she possesses in the Arts. Although at some point she temporarily abandoned her own painting and other visual skills to write more. Then she resorted to writing as she felt there was a serious lack especially among government and media personnel, two crucial entities.
The main reasons for starting the OAaSIS she says is the little connection Jamaicans have with the Arts, beyond drawing, painting and singing certain music. “If there is no understanding, there is no appreciation. Even more detrimental is the lack of the arts as the critical tool it is to developing oneself and contributing to a nation or the world.

As a journalist she sensitizes others about the Arts, but the Foundation enables practical hands on work to expose others to arts, creativity and culture.
Her other concerns are on how artists, especially Jamaican see themselves as a commodity, and their lack of connectivity with others especially in Jamaica. Few persons are aware of artists and artistes who have been critical in the development and development of arts as patriots, nor the value of arts globally. It therefore is important to reach out to the youth, the younger the better as they are more impressionable and whatever they are exposed to stays with them.
The Foundation enables youth to understand their creative minds, skills and how it can assist them in all areas they explore.
INTERVIEW
Interview with Anthea McGibbon
WHERE, WHEN WERE YOU BORN?
November 10, St Anns Bay hospital
WHERE DID YOU ATTEND SCHOOL?
St Theresa Prep, Edna Manley, Jamaica Paralegal Institute, Instituto de Venezuela, Internships
HOW SIGNIFICANT IS ART AS A FACET IN YOUR LIFE?
Very significant. I see the combined arts and creativity in everything. It’s what makes individuals unique and able to compete positively in any environment.
HOW DID YOU LEARN OF YOUR ARTS SKILLS?
It wasn’t a matter of learning. As soon as I could read and write I was drawing and dabbling in paint as well, I suppose like other children. I think I just did it more as I always tried to design my own clothes, shoes and later sketch cartoons and write little stories. At every age I was always doing something real creative or artsy, even modeling and choreography – so many things at all ages.
I also remember mathematics always being my favourite subject, and that I always viewed as a language and expression of arts or interrelated with especially visual arts somehow. You know for example calculating designs for a shoe or piece of clothes or working out some choreography.
WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST DRAWING?
Bwoy… I really don’t remember the first, but I remember my doodling days in church and after school. I used to just love designing and getting all dolled up too.
WAS IT EASY TO ATTEND ART SCHOOL?
No, I had little support. I remember not being able to finish my homework because my aunt thought I was wasting her electricity on art. Everyone recommended me for either law or the sciences because I excelled at many subjects and they were also fitting my personality. I had to do all sorts of odd jobs to send myself through school to support my decision.
WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
At the Edna Manley College, I majored in Graphic Design, but in our days we had to excel in a wide variety and Creative writing with Professor Rex Nettleford. We also had electives at the other schools – I did a year at dance school and a bit of drama. Later I studied paralegal studies, completed Spanish courses and did interns aside from varied art related jobs until I worked full time at the Gleaner doing many writing text related jobs.
WHO WAS YOUR ART MUSE?
Several persons from different genre and styles arrested my attention and admiration. Writing, research and critiquing exposes me to so many aspects that just makes me fall in love, and heightens my inspiration. Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Jozza on the international scene. Locally Gene Pearson, Barrington Watson, Alphanso Blake, Garth Sanguinetti, Hope Wheeler, Beverley Oliver, Marissa Willoughby to name a few. Of course performing, literary and culinary artists also impress and influence me. I am a sucker for real talent that massages my mind.
HOW MANY ART FORMS DO/have YOU PRACTISE?
Ahh so many. At all ages, I was either adding a something or expanding on some form. I’ve done painting, faux finishing, graphics, writing, pagination, photography (varied kinds including weddings, commercial, events) modeling and even choreography for a start.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE ALL FACETS?
It comes easy when you’re creative and appreciated enough to influence others to work with your schedule.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT CAREER?
I mainly earn from consultation, writing, web content development and a bit of painting. (Click for catalogue) I also tutor varied subjects. People approach me for different things, as I have skilled experience in several capacities and areas.
WHAT OF THE FOUNDATION YOU STARTED? HOW DOES THAT FIT IN?
OAaSIS International Foundation is just a year old and is not-for-financial gain. Projects are worked out to develop the creative mind of youth and adults affecting them. It’s actually a more structured way of doing what I did in creating several art clubs around Kingston and St Catherine before now.
WHY DID YOU START THE FOUNDATION?
Firstly, it surprises me about the number of Jamaicans who still do not understand arts and creativity beyond drawing, painting, singing and as a vital tool to development. I have always started art clubs at schools, churches or communities across the main metropolitan areas, Kingston and St Catherine. The volume of work and increasing demands on my finances and time, setting up and working with art clubs, influenced me to start the Foundation to more adequately achieve my objectives. I also was motivated by the obvious lack of proper focus on the Arts in schools and the struggles I observe in children in understanding Mathematics and English. Besides as long as I can help it, I want to assist youth to empower themselves so that mistakes made with me will not be repeated with them. . I didn’t want others with creative skill to have the difficulties I had to achieve something.
On the other hand, more artists need to realize that their own success is up to them.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PROJECTS?
Among the projects are creative workshops and libraries, arts careers libraries, creative puzzles. The Foundation is also working on a creative youth club.
The focus however is on the list for creative workshop series which is growing rapidly as more persons who learn about it, seek our visits.
DO YOU WORK IN PARTICULAR AREAS?
No. However right now owing to the great need OAaSIS has been serving Allman town, Trench Town, Sargeantville, and the list of callers have been extended to schools and communities around Kingston such as Boys Town, Drews Land, , as well as out of Kingston zones like Clarendon among others. We started with prep schools being the last to target, but really they need equal treatment, as the exposure they get is well appreciated and applied.
HOW IS IT FUNDED?
OAaSIS only recently started seeking sponsorship. There is a range of products, and some artists have given designs for these products. There will be fundraising ventures. Presently contribution tins are strategically placed for donations.
HOW DO YOU CREATE BALANCE AS IN YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE FOUNDATION, AS AN ARTIST, WRITER AND PARALEGAL AMONG OTHER THINGS?
A detailed time table is crucial, a good writing team with multi-skilled members and flexible personalities. It is also important to keep everything working parallel with each other towards obtaining the same objective and focuses.
WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES?
Seeking funding in Jamaica for the Foundation and it’s projects is the greatest challenge. Then the next greatest challenge is the lack of understanding among Jamaicans especially the business community on the relevance of the arts. In other countries the business community supports the artists by buying their work and sponsoring programmes. In Jamaica, there is hardly a businessperson who wants his child to do art, even if he gives a donation to some artist. The leaders of the society are clueless on what happens on the ground. The Education system for example places little or no value on the Arts in the curriculum as they really do not understand. Among the schools with arts in their curriculum, are loopholes.
On the other hand artists except for the numbered singers are clueless about themselves being commodities, they want things handed to them for free and fail to see the need and process of marketing themselves. Yet they complain when they only inch on a long road to success. The attitude of artists(es) need to be changed which can happen with exposure, especially exposure to how things are done in first world countries. Unfortunately, a number of them have a get rich quick mentality, as well as shy from researching how the global market and artists therein operates.
Sometimes one gets the impression that some persons just do not want others to succeed or find themselves or they might just be that naïve on how to get it done. Also there are also too many unqualified, under exposed persons holding top positions, for want of being employed or being popular, and this makes several problems worse.
HOW DO YOU VIEW JAMAICA AND ARTISTS?
Jamaica is the best, and has the best, but its people needs to first understand this before they can have visions, develop strategies and work towards bringing it all out for common good and advancement. I believe whether we travel or not we need to develop a first world way of thinking to enhance the way we approach especially challenges. (See previous question) Let all artists especially visual artists understand themselves as products to be packaged well and marketed. More persons need to learn and understand better our laws, our talents, our rights, our God-given abilities, and how to use them to achieve economic independence.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY ART SCENE?
I am impressed, motivated and elated as the contemporary scene gives us, especially Jamaicans, avenues to be real in a bold way about who we are. We are given chance to express our creativity, yet speaking volumes on our culture and our talents just the same. We are not bound by, but directed and inspired by tradition. A visit to the recent graduation show at the Edna Manley and also the National Gallery where the works were “out of the box” confirms my beliefs.
I also believe it allows us to enter and perform well within the global market with more confidence.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ART EDUCATION IN JAMAICA?
That’s a tall order to answer in limited space. In summary it’s not where it should be. Far more persons especially among the young need to be more familiar with what the Arts are about, the critical role it plays in one’s development even beyond being an artist. It is so important in maintaining our unique characters, and in assisting our youth in better understanding the world around them, especially when it comes to learning academic subjects such as numeracy and literacy, science and performing in business – when understood properly.
Journalists are among the list of persons who need to see themselves as a part of the education process, and equip themselves with knowledge before offering information to the public, with responsibility.
The late Honourable Professor Rex Nettleford’s said 1) “To know where you are going you must understand your past” 2) “Creative people should be among the leaders, as they are the ones who see beyond the surface, interpret and translate through their arts so others can better understand and relate.” I hope more persons with first world experience can someday find a way even on a one-on-one basis to influence other Jamaicans even in thought, as one effective method of education.
ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?
Get yourself involved one way or another with the Arts. The one thing about us that cannot be sold is who we are, and our innate talents. WE cant prostitute our culture, but we sure can use it as the critical tool that it is in earning money, effecting POSITIVE change, for ourselves and our country. I am appealing to Jamaicans abroad and learnt artists(es) to reach out. I am asking businesspersons operating globally to consider sponsoring some project so that more Jamaicans who are skilled can have better tools, and become better equipped to bring out their creative genius within them and hence making effective contributions. This I believe is one way Jamaica can become more economically viable, and in the end present less strain on other countries.
Of course I also am seeking as much sponsorship as possible for OAaSIS projects, especially as the list of those benefitting and seeking our input is growing.

Depending on how you connect with her, you may label Anthea McGibbon as a journalist, wedding photographer or English and Maths tutor. However, there is more to this unassuming, but energetic woman who recently started a Foundation.
She spent 13.5 years working full time at The Gleaner filling many roles from subeditor, feature co-ordinator (Religion), writer, photographer, to reporter. After that she became an art critic and writer for the Arts and Education section of the Sunday Gleaner.
Beyond that however, she is a multiskilled, multidimensional artist. One of the main reasons she started the OAaSIS International foundation after she realized how little connected Jamaicans were to the Arts. Through the Foundation and her media website she promotes the Arts, Creativity and Culture. She also is dedicated to empowering the creative mind of youth.
Speaking with her one will come to understand her intense love affair with deft skills she possesses in the Arts. As a consultant, she charges very little to assist others to understand their own genius and how to better package and market themselves.
It is important that artists recognise the value of being independent and hence their creative power.

In a recent interview she speaks on her varied commitments.
These (writing, art, foundation, website, services and products) are her extended tools aside from writing for the Gleaner’s art section, she says to sensitise others to Jamaica talent and culture. She says not enough is being done to bring Jamaica ’s treasures to the apex of the world.
“Right now the numbers of singers who seem to understand themselves as a product and global commodity are few. The visual artists who understand this are even fewer. Jamaica has so much talent, but lack the understanding of themselves and their creative power. They dont quite get it about seeing their talents and services as a product to be packaged and marketed like any other business,” she opines. She, a multiskilled artist herself resorted to writing as she felt their was a serious lack especially among government and media personnel, two crucial entities to sensitise and adequately promote the talent and culture of any people.
She insists that more artists need to realise however that their own success is their responsibilty and no one else’s.
About her MEDIA WEBSITE she explains that “in no way it competes with any existing mediahouse, but rather it compliments what they offer by providing added space to zero in on the arts, creativity, and culture she believes in.”

Eventually her writing earned for her much interest among a global audience, and serving her readers, she temporarily abandonded her own art. Then with limited space available in mediahouses to highlight the total of creative output she upon the encouragement of others formed her own website and dedicated its focus to arts, creativity and culture. The site is hosted by Michael Conally and maintained by Shane Strong, who both have been cornerstones of encouragement from first world countries. Michael Conally himself once worked at the Gleaner while living in Jamaica, and now owns the popular media website Yush.com operating out of the United Kingdom. Click here for more.
The year-old OAaSIS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, a not-for-financial-profit entity, has approximately 700 members since it went public. Its list of patrons includes Barrington Watson, Farenheit, Bernard Hoyes. Canadians Bill and Kris King owners of the Jazz Report magazine that publishes much about Jamaica ’s music scene are the only international patrons.

Interview with Anthea McGibbon

WHERE, WHEN WERE YOU BORN?
November 10, St Anns Bay hospital

WHERE DID YOU ATTEND SCHOOL?
St Theresa Prep, Edna Manley, Jamaica Paralegal Institute, Instituto de Venezuela, Internships

HOW SIGNIFICANT IS ART AS A FACET IN YOUR LIFE?
Very significant. I see the combined arts in everything. Without creativity to make things unique and compete positively, I cant beautify.

HOW DID YOU LEARN OF YOUR ARTS SKILLS?
It wasn’t a matter of learning. As soon as I could read and write I was drawing and dabbling in paint as well, I suppose like other children. I think I just did it more as I always tried to design my own clothes, shoes and later sketch cartoons and write little stories. At every age I was always doing something real creative or artsy, even modeling and choreography – so many things at all ages.
I also remember mathematics always bein g my favourite subject, and that I always viewed as a language and expression of arts or interrelated with especially visual arts somehow. You know for example calculating designs for a shoe or piece of clothes or working out some choreography.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST DRAWING?
Bwoy… I really don’t remember the first, but I remember my doodling days in church and after school. I used to just love designing and getting all dolled up too.

WAS IT EASY TO ATTEND ART SCHOOL?
No, I had little support. I remember not being able to finish my homework because my aunt thought I was wasting her electricity on art. Everyone recommended me for either law or the sciences because I excelled at many subjects and they were also fitting my personality. I had to do all sorts of odd jobs to send myself through school to support my decision.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
I majored in Graphic Design, but in our days we had to excel in a wide variety and Creative writing also at the Edna Manley College . We also had selectives at the other schools and I did a year at each while attending art school. Later I studied paralegal studies, completed Spanish courses and did interns aside from varied art related jobs until I worked full time at the Gleaner doing many writing text related jobs.

HOW MANY ART FORMS DO YOU PRACTISE?
Ahh so many. At all ages, I was either adding a something or expanding on some form. I’ve done painting, faux finishing, graphics, writing, pagination, photography (varied kinds including weddings, commercial, events) modeling and even choreography for a start.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE ALL FACETS?
It comes easy when you use creativity and needs as the bonding factors complimented by the joy of satisfying the needs of others.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT CAREER?
I mainly earn from consultation, writing, web content development and a bit of painting. Click to see Anthea McGibbon catalogue of paintings I also earn from other areas such as teaching varied subjects. People approach ME FOR DIFFERENT THINGS AS they know my skills from my varied backgrounds.

WHAT OF THE FOUNDATION YOU STARTED? HOW DOES THAT FIT IN?
OAaSIS International Foundation is just a year old and is not-for-financial gain. Projects are worked out to develop the creative mind of youth and now adults affecting youths are served. It’s actually a more structured way of doing what I did in creating several art clubs around Kingston and St Catherine.

WHY DID YOU START THE FOUNDATION?
I have always started art clubs at schools, churches or communities across the main metropilitan areas, Kingston and St Catherine. The volume of work and increasing demands on my finances and time influenced me to start the Foundation to more adequately achieve my objectives. I also was motivated by the obvious lack of proper focus on the Arts in schools and the struggles I observe in children in understanding mathematics and English.
Creative puzzles for example helps one to understand maths, language and art.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PROJECTS?
Among the projects are creative workshops and libraries, arts careers libraries. The Foundation is also collaborating with Pickney International in hosting a creative youth club.

HOW IS IT FUNDED?
OAaSIS only recently started seeking sponsorship, as during the set up stage, I relied heavily on my savings. We have a range of products that we offer, and some artists have given designs for these products. We are in the process of planning g fundraising ventures, but for now we seek donations, and have strategically placed pans for this

HOW DO YOU CREATE BALANCE AS AN ARTIST, WRITER AND PARALEGAL AMONG OTHER THINGS?
A detailed time table is crucial, a good writing team with multiskilled members and flexible personalities. It is also important to keep everything working parallel with each other towards obtaining the same objective and focuses.

HOW DO YOU VIEW JAMAICA?
Jamaica is the best, and has the best, but its people needs to first understand this before they can have visions, develop strategies and work towards bringing it all out for common good and advancement. I believe whether we travel or not we need to develop a first world way of thinking to enhance the way we approach especially challenges. More persons need to learn and understand better our laws, our talents, our rights, our God-given.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY ART SCENE?
I am both impressed, motivated and elated as the contemporary scene gives us, especially Jamaicans, avenues to be real in a bold way about who we are. We are given chance to express our creativity, yet speaking volumes on our culture and our talents just the same. We are not bound, but directed and inspired by tradition. A visit to the recent graduation show at the Edna Manley and also the National Gallery where the works were out of the box confirms my beliefs.
I also believe it allows us to enter and perform within the global market with more confidence.

WHO WAS YOUR ART MUSE?
Several persons from different genre and styles. Writing and critiquing exposes me to so many aspects that just makes me fall in love, and heightens my inspiration. Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Jozza on the international scene. Locally Gene Pearson, Barrington Watson, Alphanso Blake, Garth Sanguinetti, Hope Wheeler, Beverley Oliver to name a few. Of course performing literary and culinary artists also impress and influence me. I am a sucker for real talent that massages my mind.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ART EDUCATION IN JAMAICA?
That’s a tall order to answer in limited space. In summary it’s not where it should be. Far more persons especially among the young need to be more familiar with what the Arts are about, the critical role it plays in one’s development even beyond being an artist. It is so important in maintaining our unique characters, and in assisting our youth in better understanding the world around them, especially when it comes to learning academic subjects such as numeracy and literacy, science and performing in business – when understood properly.
I also cannot deny underlining Rex Nettleford’s statement “To know where you are going you must understand your past” and he also said “Creative people should be among the leaders, as they are the ones who see beyond the surface, interpret and translate through their arts so others can better understand and relate”

ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?
Get yourself involved one way or another with the Arts. The one thing about us that cannot be sold is who we are, and our innate talents. WE cant prostitute our culture, but we sure can use it as the critical tool that it is in earning money, effecting POSITIVE change, for ourselves and our country.

Visit Anthea’s media site
Click to see Anthea McGibbon catalogue of paintings

After 13 years full time at The Gleaner, and an intense love affair with the Arts, writer and critic Anthea McGibbon has started her own line of Arts, offering a wide range of services and products. She is still however committed to her contributions at the Gleaner’s Art and Education section as that is her avenue of expressing her total committment to sensitizing others to arts, creativity and culture.
Last year she started the OAaSIS International Foundation, dedicated to networking creative minds, while adding a media site to the compliment of media houses.
Her website www.antheamcgibbon.com, she explains in no way competes with any existing mediahouse, but rather compliments what they offer by providing added space to zero in on the arts, creativity, and culture she believes in.
These are her extended tools aside from writing for the Gleaner’s art section to sensitising others to Jamaica talent and culture, as she believes not enough is being done to bring Jamaica ’s treasures to the apex of the world.

Anthea as a Jamaican journalist in California!

The OAaSIS International Foundation, a not-for-financial-profit entity, has approximately 700 members since it went public. Its list of patrons includes Barrington Watson, Farenheit, Bernard Hoyes. Canadians Bill and Kris King owners of the Jazz Report magazine that publishes much about Jamaica ’s music scene are the only international patrons.
Among the projects are creative workshops and libraries, arts careers libraries.

See the following interview by a Jamaican-owned newspaper abroad.

Interview with Anthea McGibbon

November 10, St Anns Bay hospital

WHERE DID YOU ATTEND SCHOOL?
St Theresa Prep, Edna Manley, Jamaica Paralegal Institute, Instituto de Venezuela

HOW DID YOU LEARN OF YOUR ARTS SKILLS?
It wasn’t a matter of learning. As soon as I could read and write I was drawing and dabbling in paint as well, I suppose like other children. I think I just did it more as I always tried to design my own clothes, shoes and later sketch cartoons and write little stories. At every age I was always doing something real creative or artsy, even modeling and choreography – so many things at all ages.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST DRAWING?
Bwoy… I really don’t remember the first, but I remember my doodling days in church and after school. I used to just love designing and getting all dolled up too.

WAS IT EASY TO ATTEND ART SCHOOL?
No, I had little support. I remember not being able to finish my homework because my aunt thought I was wasting her electricity on art. Everyone recommended me for either law or the sciences because I excelled at many subjects and they were also fitting my personality. I had to do all sorts of odd jobs to send myself through school to support my decision.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
I majored in Graphic Design, but in our days we had to excel in a wide variety and Creative writing also at the Edna Manley College. We also had selectives at the other schools and I did a year at each while attending art school. Later I studied paralegal studies, completed Spanish courses and did interns aside from varied art related jobs until I worked full time at the Gleaner doing many writing text related jobs.

HOW MANY ART FORMS DO YOU PRACTISE?
Ahh so many. At all ages, I was either adding a something or expanding on some form. I’ve done painting, graphics, writing, pagination, photography (varied kinds including weddings, commercial, events) modeling and even choreography for a start.
Click to see Anthea McGibbon catalogue of paintings

HOW WERE THE OTHERS BALANCED WITH THE OTHER JOBS YOU DO?
It comes easy when you use creativity and needs as the bonding factors complimented by the joy of satisfying the needs of others.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT CAREER?
I mainly earn from consultation, writing, web content development and a bit of painting and photography. I also earn from other areas such as teaching varied subjects. People approach ME FOR DIFFERENT THINGS AS they know my skills from my varied backgrounds.

WHAT OF THE FOUNDATION YOU STARTED? HOW DOES THAT FIT IN?
OAaSIS International Foundation is just a year old and is not-for-financial gain. Projects are worked out to develop the creative mind of youth and now adults affecting youths are served.

HOW DO YOU CREATE BALANCE AS AN ARTIST, WRITER AND PARALEGAL AMONG OTHER THINGS?
A detailed time table is crucial.

HOW DO YOU VIEW JAMAICA?
Jamaica is the best, and has the best, but its people needs to first understand this before they can have visions, develop strategies and work towards bringing it all out for common good and advancement. I believe whether we travel or not we need to develop a first world way of thinking to enhance the way we approach especially challenges. More persons need to learn and understand better our laws, our talents, our rights, our God-given.

HOW SIGNIFICANT IS ART AS A FACET IN YOUR LIFE?
Very significant. I see arts in everything. Without creativity to make things unique and compete positively, I cant beautify.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY ART SCENE?
I am both impressed, motivated and elated as the contemporary scene gives us, especially Jamaicans, avenues to be real in a bold way about who we are. We are given chance to express our creativity, yet speaking volumes on our culture and our talents just the same. We are not bound, but directed and inspired by tradition. A visit to the recent graduation show at the Edna Manley and also the National Gallery where the works were out of the box confirms my beliefs.
I also believe it allows us to enter and perform within the global market with more confidence.

WHO WAS YOUR ART MUSE?
Several persons from different genre and styles. Writing and critiquing exposes me to so many aspects that just makes me fall in love, and heightens my inspiration. Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Jozza on the international scene. Locally Gene Pearson, Barrington Watson, Alphanso Blake, Garth Sanguinetti, Hope Wheeler, Beverley Oliver to name a few. Of course performing literary and culinary artists also impress and influence me. I am a sucker for real talent that massages my mind.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ART EDUCATION IN JAMAICA?
That’s a tall order to answer in limited space. In summary it’s not where it should be. Far more persons especially among the young need to be more familiar with what the Arts are about, the critical role it plays in one’s development even beyond being an artist. It is so important in maintaining our unique characters, and in assisting our youth in better understanding the world around them, especially when it comes to learning academic subjects such as numeracy and literacy, science and performing in business – when understood properly.
I also cannot deny underlining Rex Nettleford’s statement “To know where you are going you must understand your past” and he also said “Creative people should be among the leaders, as they are the ones who see beyond the surface, interpret and translate through their arts so others can better understand and relate”

ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?
Get yourself involved one way or another with the Arts. The one thing about us that cannot be sold is who we are, and our innate talents. WE cant prostitute our culture, but we sure can use it as the critical tool that it is in earning money, effecting POSITIVE change, for ourselves and our country.

Visit Anthea’s media site
Click to see Anthea McGibbon catalogue of paintings

On January 1 at 12 midnight, on facebook alone OAaSIS is 112 members strong. Through the website, OAaSIS has received twice that subscription.
Your consideration and decision to join has been a positive sign that we care about the Arts.
In 2010, the OAaSIS core team deeply wish you all success beyond your wildest imagination, knowing fully well that God the greatest creator, composer, ARTist is the best in inspiration, and guidance. I, as founder am here from wherever I find myself to support you in any way to realise your full potential, and what’s more now there is a growing network of creative, and skilled persons and well wishers sending you at least postive energy. So through thick and thin, in Jamaican terms “meaty and mawga” — BE HAPPY — and let your potential be fully realised and utilised to achieve the most of the best already put down with your name on it this year and beyond.

AS FOR OAaSIS, we do have an exciting schedule for you! We fully believe with an understanding of the Arts can contribute greatly to the development of today’s youth and aid them in being successful in all areas.

So our first project is travelling through schools to sensitise youth to the Arts, and hopefully to remove negative stigmas attached to the Arts, and practitioners. More importantly today’s youth starting with Jamaicans will be better equipped to utilise arts postively.

Our first project, a creative workshop series, kicks off at Allman Town Primary over six days between January 13 to 22.

Please support it in any way you can. The facebook link is at

http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/event.php?eid=191501532110&index=1

After that we’ll swiftly move to complete our list which includes Sargeantville (Saint Catherine), Hermitage (Saint Andrew), Port Royal!
Here’s to you teaming and travelling with us!
Our second project will afterwards be training sessions for adults, stay connected. You can also request our assistance through the website www.oaasisinternational.org.

- Respectfully,
Anthea McGibbon
Founder
Your Arts and Communications Consultant,
and from the OAaSIS core team (Derrick Wilks, Barrington Watson, Ken Hendell(Gallart.com, US), Patrick James, Melhanie Spence, The Kings(Jazz Report, Canada), Oscar Derby, Dwane Forbes, Allan Bucknol, Wyvolyn Gager)

IN ADDITION Providing you with Full Art News at www.antheamcgibbon.com; The Gleaner; Yush(UK); Street Hype newspaper(NY); Jazz Report (Canada); FOLLOW IN THE MEDIA

SPECIAL NOTE: In no way OAaSIS seeks to replace any existing institution, teacher of the Arts, rather its members join to support all who promote the creative mind and its yield once used postively; also to assist today’s youth in better understanding the critical role of the arts positively especially where no formal arts programme is set up in schools and/or communities.
BE HAPPY — Together we can
JAMAICA’S MOTTO: “Hardships there are, BUT the Land is green, and the sun shineth”

Respect to all those who strive to positively impact on today’s youth and artists(es), and to ensure that they impact us postively from the ARTS!

Huge Thanks!